CAIE A Level 9699

Sociology 2024 · Oct/Nov · Paper 22

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This CAIE A Level Sociology Paper 22 focuses mainly on the family, with key themes including gender and childhood, Marxist views of the family, ruling-class ideology, the effects of increased life expectancy, the role of the nuclear family, and gender equality within family life. Students can expect short-answer explain questions as well as longer evaluative essays, so the paper tests both knowledge and the ability to apply sociological concepts, theories, and evidence in a clear structure.…

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Questions & Model Answers 7 Qs

Q1
Short Answer 4 marks
Describe two ways gender can influence the experience of childhood.
One way is that boys and girls may be socialised differently, with girls often encouraged to be caring, obedient and domestic, while boys may be encouraged to be independent and assertive.
This shows how gender shapes expectations and behaviour in childhood.
Another way is that children may have different freedoms and restrictions based on gender, such as girls being more closely supervised or given more household responsibilities than boys.
This explains a second distinct way gender affects childhood experiences.
Q2a
Short Answer 8 marks
Explain two ways the family promotes ruling-class ideology.
The family promotes ruling-class ideology by transmitting values such as obedience, hierarchy and acceptance of authority, which prepare children to accept inequality in wider society.
This reflects the Marxist view that the family socialises children into accepting the existing class structure.
The family also promotes ruling-class ideology by teaching children to respect private property, competition and individual achievement, which supports capitalist ideas and the interests of the ruling class.
This is another way the family can reproduce capitalist ideology.
Q2b
Short Answer 6 marks
Explain one strength and one limitation of Marxist views of the family.
One strength of Marxist views is that they highlight how the family can benefit capitalism by reproducing labour power and socialising children into accepting inequality.
This is a valid strength because it shows the family’s role in supporting the economic system.
One limitation is that Marxist views are often too deterministic and ignore the possibility that families can be supportive and beneficial for members rather than simply serving capitalism.
This is a valid limitation because it points to the narrowness of the Marxist approach.
Q3a
Structured 10 marks
'Increased life expectancy has had a negative impact on family members.' Explain this view.
Increased life expectancy can create a burden of care for family members, especially adult children who may need to support elderly parents for longer periods.
This explains one negative impact of longer life expectancy on families.
It can also increase financial pressure because families may have to pay for healthcare, housing or other support for older relatives over a longer time.
This is another negative consequence linked to longer life expectancy.
Longer life expectancy may also lead to more intergenerational conflict or stress, as different generations have to live with or care for each other for longer.
This develops the view by showing how family relationships may be strained.
Q3b
Short Answer 6 marks
Using sociological material, give one argument against this view.
One argument against the view is that increased life expectancy can strengthen family life by allowing more time for grandparents to form close relationships with grandchildren and provide emotional support.
This offers a sociological counter-argument showing a positive effect of longer life expectancy.
Q4
Essay 26 marks
Evaluate the view that the nuclear family is still important in society today.
A strong answer would assess arguments that the nuclear family remains important because it is still common, provides stability, socialisation and economic support, and is often supported by government and media ideals.
This captures the main line of argument in favour of the view.
It should also consider counter-arguments that family diversity has increased, with lone-parent, reconstituted and same-sex families becoming more visible, reducing the dominance of the nuclear family.
This is essential evaluation against the view.
A high-level response would use sociological perspectives such as functionalism, New Right, feminism and postmodernism to weigh the continuing significance of the nuclear family against social change.
This indicates the kind of sociological material expected in an evaluative essay.
Q5
Essay 26 marks
Evaluate the view that there is equality between men and women in the family.
A strong answer would examine evidence that some families are becoming more equal, with men doing more housework and childcare and couples sharing decision-making more equally than in the past.
This supports the view and should be developed with evidence.
It should also evaluate feminist arguments that inequality remains, including the unequal division of domestic labour, emotional labour, and power within relationships.
This provides the main counter-argument.
A high-level response would use sociological material such as liberal feminism, radical feminism, the dual burden, triple shift, and changing family roles to reach a balanced judgement.
This reflects the type of sociological evaluation expected for the essay.
Paper Details
Board CAIE
Level A Level
Subject Sociology
Code 9699
Year 2024
Session Oct/Nov
Paper No. Paper 22
Q&A 7 questions
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